#FEMA FLOOD ZONE MAP PINELLAS COUNTY HOW TO#

As part of your due diligence, you should review the FEMA map to determine the correct flood zone for the property location. Suppose you are interested in buying land and building a home outside of a subdivision.

#FEMA FLOOD ZONE MAP PINELLAS COUNTY HOW TO#

These damages can be very expensive, easily totaling tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of dollars How to Use the FEMA Regions MapįEMA regions maps are a valuable tool for homeowners, mortgage lenders, and insurers.Īs a homeowner, there are several instances when you want to consult a FIRM map. Without a flood insurance policy, you will be forced to pay for any flood-related damages out of pocket. If your home is located in a high-risk area, it is important that you have proper insurance coverage. If the area you live in has a 1% or greater chance of experiencing a flood, it will be classified as “high risk.” During a 30-year mortgage, high-risk areas have a one-in-four chance of experiencing a flood.Īs the name implies, FIRM maps are designed to assist insurers with assessing flood risk so they can issue policies accordingly. Even areas miles away from rivers, lakes, or coastlines can experience flooding due to poor drainage, heavy rains, and other factors.įIRM maps help you better understand your property and its likelihood of being impacted by a flood. However, floods can happen virtually anywhere, given the right weather conditions. Most flood zones identified on these maps are located near rivers, lakes, and coastlines. FIRM flood maps and special flood hazard maps are one and the same. Since flood insurance rate maps also identify SFHAs, they are sometimes referred to as special flood hazard area maps. What is the FEMA Regions Map?Ī FEMA regions map or FIRM flood insurance rate map identifies several specific zones, including Base Flood Elevations (BFEs), risk premium zones, and Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). However, no wave action is expected because “A” zones are not in close proximity to coastal waterways. These areas are exposed to the same risk percentage as “V” flood zones. “V” flood zones are also expected to experience “wave action.”Īreas with an “A” designation also fall within the 100-year floodplain. The BFE is the elevation that flood waters are expected to rise to in the event of a flood.

Areas within this metric are at a 1% or greater risk of experiencing yearly flooding at or beyond the base flood elevation (BFE). The two that you will most likely need to be familiar with are “V” and “A”.Īn area with a “V” designation is within the 100-year floodplain. There are several different types of flood zones. Flood zones are identified on flood insurance rate maps (FIRMS).

That said, let’s take a closer look at everything you need to know about FEMA regions maps: What Is a Flood Zone?Ī flood zone is a designated area that has the propensity to flood during certain adverse weather events, like a hurricane or prolonged periods of heavy rain. All you need to do is familiarize yourself with some commonly used FEMA terminology and locate the right map for your county.įrom there, you will need to connect with a reputable provider that can help you understand your coverage needs and provide you with an adequate flood insurance policy. Don’t worry, you do not need to become an insurance expert to understand FEMA regions maps or protect your home from the dangers of rising water. Not quite sure which FEMA flood zone map Pinellas County residents find most helpful? This is completely understandable, as FEMA publishes so much data about flooding and flood insurance that it can be overwhelming to find the most pertinent information for your situation. You can use these maps to determine whether your home is located in a high-risk area, ensure that you have proper insurance coverage, and guide preparation efforts in the event of a major weather event. If you are concerned with flooding, Pinellas County flood zone maps can help you better understand the risks facing your home. FEMA Regions Map: An In-Depth Guide for Homeowners

Fema flood zone map pinellas county